What should be done to utensils that have been used with raw meat before using them for cooked food?

Using utensils that have come into contact with raw meat can pose a significant risk of cross-contamination, which could lead to foodborne illnesses. Therefore, it is essential to handle these utensils properly before using them with cooked food.

Washing, rinsing, and sanitizing the utensils ensures that all harmful bacteria and pathogens that may have been present on the raw meat are effectively removed. The washing process cleans any visible debris or residues, rinsing removes any soap or cleaning agents, and sanitizing involves using a solution that effectively kills any remaining microorganisms. This three-step process is crucial in maintaining food safety standards.

Taking shortcuts, such as simply wiping the utensils with a cloth or soaking them in hot water, does not guarantee the thorough cleaning and sanitization required to make them safe for use with cooked food. These practices may not eliminate all harmful pathogens, thereby increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses. Additionally, leaving the utensils as they are would certainly leave them contaminated, posing a high risk to food safety. Thus, the correct and safe practice is to wash, rinse, and sanitize utensils after they have been in contact with raw meat.